To Coach Or Not To Coach?

Some wanna-be coaches are just chomping at the bit to get their own team. They can't get their volunteer application submitted fast enough. Others are a little more reserved and take a season or two before they first try their hand as an Assistant and then choose to take the plunge, assuming the role of Head Coach.

Whichever route you take into the world of coaching, you will discover that leading a team will become one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.

As a role model for your team, it will be your responsibility to plan and execute effective practice sessions for your players. To teach the kids new skills in soccer and beyond… how to work together effectively as a team. Helping them build their confidence. Demonstrate that mistakes are nothing more than learning opportunities. Promote good sportsmanship. Use your own personal coaching style to help your players help themselves in developing a true passion for ‘the beautiful game’. And, of course, play your part in developing habits that will lead them to decades of healthy living.

It goes without saying that your own child (or children) will be playing on your team. Not everyone has the chance to coach their child in youth sport. It is a wonderful experience spending time with your kid. Playing such a pivotal role in the development of their game skills and their life skills. Your child will love it. And in twenty or thirty years from now they will still be talking about when Mom or Dad was their coach. In fact, I’ll wager that they’ll probably end up coaching a team of their own one day.

Whilst all the above is going on, you may notice yourself making some new friends - fellow coaches, parents, referees. You may find yourself developing some new soccer skills of your own. You could realize that running through a bunch of cones with the kids is having some benefits on your own health and not just theirs. You also have a great excuse for not getting the laundry done on time and for procrastinating over that sprinkler head repair. Heck, you may even find yourself competing in the AYSO Volunteer League one day.

During the season, if you’re looking for support from Region 2 for help with concerns or if you would like mentoring during games or practices then we’re right there for you. You won’t be left to fend for yourself.

Finally: the most amazing aspect of coaching… the Coach Jersey. A flattering piece of apparel that will draw approving smiles from friends and strangers alike. At both the field and all around town!

As a volunteer in AYSO, some may point out to you that you do not get paid for what you do. Those people are wrong. The reward is huge.

If you would like to become a Head Coach, Assistant Coach or you are just intrigued by the idea of coaching and would like to find out more about the ‘job’ then let’s talk. Drop an email to the Regional Coach Administrator at [email protected] and we can take it from there.